Reduced fiber count networks, devices, and related methods

ABSTRACT

Optical fiber networks, devices, and related methods are disclosed herein. In some aspects, an optical fiber network includes network devices having optical fibers for transmitting and receiving data. In the network, 100% of the optical fibers are utilized end-to-end across the plurality of network devices. Networks herein are also devoid of converters and include only a single direction connection between fibers at interconnect points between devices. Network devices may include ferrules, where at least some of the ferrules are devoid of an optical fiber. A method for providing an optical fiber network includes providing network devices having optical fibers for transmitting and receiving data and transmitting data using 100% of the optical fibers end-to-end across the network devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional patent application from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/310,280 filed Jun. 20, 2014, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/991,077,filed on May 9, 2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to optical fibercommunication networks, devices, and/or methods and, more particularly,to data centers, devices, and/or related methods having a reducedoptical fiber count or reduced fiber count basis.

BACKGROUND

Optical fibers are used in various types of communication networks, forexample for facilitating data transfer at a rate of at least one gigabitper second (i.e., “Gbps” or “G”). Traditional 1G and 10G networks, inwhich data is transferred at a rate of 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps, respectively,are based upon a 12-count (“12 ct”) fiber and/or a structured cablingsystem (SCS) utilizing a 12 ct fiber basis. That is, the base unit ofnetwork hardware including cables, ribbon cables, trunk cables,connectors, converters, adapters, patches, etc., of traditional networksis a 12 ct fiber.

The demand for faster data transfer (e.g., at a rate of 40G, 100G, 400G,etc.) is ever increasing, in part due to the onset of smart technology,which utilize fiber networks and/or components thereof for accessing(i.e., sending/receiving) data from network carriers/providers, mediaoutlets, the cloud, data applications, social media applications, etc.Network providers utilize data centers for housing network hardware orcomponents, including servers, transceivers, receivers, communicationmodules, converters, connectors, plates, patches, racks, routers,switches, ports, etc., for supporting 1G/10G/40G/100G networks. To date,networks and network data centers utilize hardware based upon thetraditional 12 ct fiber as a fiber basis.

In faster networks, such as in 40G and 100G networks, only 8 of the 12fibers may be used for facilitating data transmission. Thus,conventional networks have extensive amounts of unused (e.g., wasted)fibers. This is costly and expensive to manufacture, manage, andmaintain. In addition, expensive converters or conversion modules mustbe used to convert, upgrade, and/or otherwise scale slower networks(i.e., 1G, 10G) into faster networks (i.e., 40G, 100G, etc.).

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional multi-fiber push on (MPO) connectordevice, generally designated MPO, utilized in conventional fibernetworks. MPO connector includes a 12 ct basis. As noted above, in 40Gand 100G networks, only 8 of the 12 fibers may be used for facilitatingdata transmission (e.g., 4×TX and 4×RX). The middle four fibers,generally designated F_(M), are present in the middle ferrule positionsof MPO, but are unused and may be referred to as “dark”. The outerfibers generally designated F_(O) are disposed on outermost positions ofMPO and are used for transmission/receipt of data in a communicationnetwork. In traditional networks using traditional practices of 12 ctSCS, the middle four fibers F_(M) result in a fiber waste of about 33%,as roughly about ⅓ of the fibers are unused. This is wasteful,expensive, and inefficient, especially for networks utilizing opticalmulti-mode (OM) fibers as described by ISO 11801 and/or as defined inTIA-492-AAAD. The 33% fiber waste amounts to a considerable waste interms of dollars, materials, resources, and space, which isunacceptable, especially in large networks utilizing data centers havinghundreds of ports.

In addition to fiber waste, another problem encountered in conventionalnetworks and data centers utilizing a 12 ct fiber basis is thatconversion modules are required to achieve 100% fiber utilization. Manynetwork carriers simply cannot absorb a 33% fiber waste. FIG. 2illustrates a converter, or conversion module generally designated M.Conversion module M is configured to receive incoming fibers andre-configure or map the fibers in such a way that all fibers becomeutilized at the output. For example, module M includes two input MPOconnections or ports M_(I), each consisting of a 12 ct fiber basis, fora total of 2×12 ct or 24 total input fibers. The 24 fibers arere-configured within a housing H of module M, such that three output MPOconnections having an 8-count (“8 ct”) fiber basis are output via outputMPO connections or ports M_(O). In this scenario, the 24 fibers (i.e.,2×12 ct) from the two input ports M_(I) are converted into 3×8 ct MPOconnections at the output ports M_(O). Conversion modules M are costly,require valuable space, and require thorough record keeping and labelingfor properly mapping the network.

Furthermore, by definition, converters or conversion modules M placeadditional termination points within the network. Modules M createadditional termination points, including two additional per channel orone additional per interconnection point (e.g., between 12 ct and 8 ctfibers), and challenge meeting the link loss budgets.

As FIG. 3 illustrates, an interconnection point P is disposed betweenthe 12 ct fiber (e.g., one 24 ct fiber ribbon) connection C₁ ortermination point and three 8 ct fiber connections or terminationpoints, each designated C₂. Connection points C₁ and C₂ are terminationpoints, which are susceptible to signal loss. For example, atinterconnection point P, the 24 ct fiber F₂₄ is re-configured or mappedinto three 8 ct fibers, F₈. Each connection or termination point atinterconnection point P increases the chance for signal loss across eachnetwork channel.

In view of these problems, a need exists for networks, devices, and/ormethods having a reduced fiber count or fiber count basis therebyachieving 100% fiber utilization end-to-end. In some embodiments, a needexists for data centers, devices, and/or methods utilizing only an8-count (“8 ct”) fiber basis to support 40G, 100G, or networkssupporting more than 100G communications. Such networks, devices, and/ormethods should advantageously be devoid of connectors and/or conversionmodules, thereby minimizing the chance for signal loss within thenetwork.

SUMMARY

Optical fiber networks, devices, and related methods are providedherein. An optical fiber network can comprise a plurality of networkdevices having optical fibers therethrough for transmitting andreceiving data, wherein 100% of the optical fibers are utilizedend-to-end across the plurality of network devices. Networks disclosedherein are devoid of connectors or connection modules between networkdevices. Networks disclosed herein also comprise only a single, directconnection between network devices. Networks disclosed herein utilizereduced fiber count devices, for example, having an 8-count (8 ct) fiberbasis. In some embodiments, only 8 ct fiber basis devices are utilizedwithin the network. Networks herein are configured to signal data ataround 40 gigabits per second (G) per second, around 100G, or more than100G.

Network devices disclosed herein can comprise 8 ct devices. In someembodiments, the devices comprise a plurality of ferrules, and at leastsome of the ferrules are devoid of an optical fiber. Network devices cancomprise cables (e.g., ribbon, jumper), connectors, MPO connectors,panels, switches, etc.

A method for providing an optical fiber network comprises providing aplurality of network devices comprising optical fibers for transmittingand receiving data and transmitting data using 100% of the opticalfibers end-to-end across the plurality of network devices.

Embodiments of optical networks, devices, and related methods hereincan, for example and without limitation, provide one or more of thefollowing technical benefits: 100% end-to-end fiber utilization acrosssome or all devices or components within a network; elimination orreduction of extraneous converters per network; improved and/orsimplified network management; improved and/or simplified networkconstruction; increased network efficiency; decreased cost of providingnetwork and/or equipment; less waste; less consumables/raw materialsrequired per network; minimized signal loss. These and other objects canbe achieved by the subject matter disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, includingreference to the accompanying figures, relating to one or moreembodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional 12 ct fiber basismulti-fiber push on (MPO) connector incorporating unused fibersaccording to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional conversion connectormodule according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a conventional interconnection point between a fiber having a12 ct fiber basis and three fibers of an 8 ct fiber basis, according tosome embodiments;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating parallel optics usedto facilitate data transmission at 10G, 40G, 100G, or more than 100Gsignals, according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are structured cabling systems (SCS) utilizing a reducedfiber count basis according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cable termination solutions utilizing a reducedfiber count basis according to some embodiments;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are sectional views of ribbon cables utilizing a reducedfiber count basis according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is an interconnection point between two separate devices having areduced fiber count basis according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a schematic network diagram of a network utilizing a reducedfiber count basis according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 10 is a network data center, and/or components thereof, having areduced fiber count basis according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reduced fiber count systems (e.g., optical fiber networks and/or datacenters), devices, and related methods are provided herein. Networkdesigners can design network data centers, and/or components thereof,having a reduced fiber count or fiber count basis. This canadvantageously simplify network connections, save money, eliminatecostly converters, reduce materials, and/or reduce waste (e.g., anamount of unutilized fiber) within a network or system. In someembodiments, optical networks utilize structured cabling systems (SCS)having an 8 ct fiber or 8 ct fiber basis, which is reduced from a 12 ctbasis.

Devices, such as SCS (e.g., ribbon or trunk cables), connectors,transceivers, receivers, ports, communication modules, converters,servers, plates, patches, routers, switches, racks, and/or any othercomponent within an optical fiber network or data center can utilize an8-count (“8 ct”) fiber and/or an 8 ct fiber basis as the building blockfor the associated network architecture. In some embodiments, 8 ct basedSCS and network components can provide efficient space usage andeliminate the requirement for expensive conversion modules. Reduced 8 ctequipment can advantageously be used in combination with conventional 12ct equipment, without the need for expensive converters. In networkdevices facilitating communication via 8 ct fiber, one or more ferrulepositions can be devoid of a fiber. In some embodiments, networks hereincomprise optical fiber networks configured to transmit/receive data at10 gigabits per second (i.e., “Gbps” or “G”) or more. In someembodiments, networks herein are 10G, 40G, 100G or 400G networks thatare devoid of costly conversion modules, and utilize only 8 ct fiberbasis components or devices.

Different devices within a network can connect to one another at aninterconnection point. For example, trunk or ribbon cables can be usedto connect and/or communicate between two or more devices viainterconnection points. In some embodiments, 8 ct based SCS can minimizethe number of connections at each interconnection point by one, suchthat each interconnection point consists of only a single, directconnection. This advantageously minimizes the chance for signal lossacross each network channel.

Reference will now be made in detail to possible embodiments of thepresent subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in thefigures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and notas a limitation. In fact, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield still afurther embodiment. It is intended that the subject matter disclosed andenvisioned herein covers such modifications and variations.

As illustrated in the various figures, some sizes of structures orportions are exaggerated relative to other structures or portions forillustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the generalstructures of the present subject matter. Furthermore, variousembodiments of the present subject matter are described with referenceto a structure or a portion being formed on other structures, portions,or both. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, referencesto a structure being formed “on” or “above” another structure or portioncontemplates that additional structure, portion, or both may intervene.

References to a structure or a portion being formed “on” anotherstructure or portion without an intervening structure or portion aredescribed herein as being formed “directly on” the structure or portion.Similarly, it will be understood that when an element is referred to asbeing “connected”, “attached”, or “coupled” to another element, it canbe directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other element, orintervening elements may be present. In contrast, if an element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or“directly coupled” to another element, no intervening elements arepresent.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “on”, “above”, “upper”, “top”,“lower”, or “bottom” are used herein to describe one structure's orportion's relationship to another structure or portion as illustrated inthe figures. It will be understood that relative terms such as “on”,“above”, “upper”, “top”, “lower” or “bottom” are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in addition to the orientationdepicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures isturned over, structure or portion described as “above” other structuresor portions would now be oriented “below” the other structures orportions. Likewise, if devices in the figures are rotated along an axis,structure or portion described as “above”, other structures or portionswould now be oriented “next to” or “left of” the other structures orportions. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Unless the absence of one or more elements is specifically recited, theterms “comprising”, including”, and “having” as used herein should beinterpreted as open-ended terms that do not preclude the presence of oneor more elements.

In some embodiments, communication networks and devices described hereinutilize parallel optics for simultaneously transmitting and receivingdata over multiple fibers within a network and respective data center.For example, as FIG. 4A illustrates, one 10G channel can consist of twoparallel fibers for transmitting/receiving communication signalssimultaneously. One fiber transmits data at 10G and another fiberreceives data simultaneously at 10G. As used herein, the acronym orabbreviation “TX” denotes the transmission, transmit, and/or transmittalor transmitting of data or information. The acronym “RX” denotes thereception, to receive, and/or receiving of data or information. Thus,two parallel fibers (e.g., 1×TX and 1×RX) are necessary for one 10Gchannel or port in 10G/40G/100G/400G networks.

To provide faster data transfer, one 40G channel may include a total ofeight fibers, for example, 4×TX and 4'RX. As FIG. 4B illustrates, one40G channel consists only of four fibers for transmitting data (i.e.,each at 10G) and four fibers for receiving data (i.e., each at 10G).Thus, only eight parallel fibers can be utilized for one 40G channel orport, where each fiber is configured to TX/RX at 10G.

FIG. 4C illustrates one 100G channel or port utilizing parallel optics,in which the signal across each fiber is 25G as opposed to 10G. One 100Gchannel can also include a total of eight fibers, for example, 4×TX and4×RX. As FIG. 4C illustrates, one 100G channel can consist of fourfibers for transmitting data (i.e., each at 25G) and four fibers forreceiving data (i.e., each at 25G). Thus, only eight parallel fibers canbe utilized for one 100G channel or port, where each fiber is configuredto TX/RX at 25G. FIGS. 4B and 4C comprise a “4 by” parallel optics inwhich four separate channels are utilized for transmitting (TX) andreceiving (RX) data.

Notably, networks, devices, and related methods herein advantageouslyallow for 100% end-to-end fiber utilization within a passive network,whereby all eight fibers of an 8 ct fiber basis are utilized, accountingfor at least approximately 0% fiber waste. Utilizing 8 ct fiber as thebasic fiber structure for networks described herein is advantageous orbeneficial in terms of network design, management, construction, andoverall economy of the network.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate views of a SCS or cable device, generallydesignated 10. Device 10 is utilized in networks communicating at leastat 40G, such as 100G. In other embodiments, device 10 is utilized innetworks communicated at more than 100G, such as 400G. Device 10 isbased upon a reduced fiber count, such as an 8 ct fiber according tosome embodiments.

In one embodiment, device 10 can comprise four TX fibers, generallydesignated 12 disposed within at least four ferrule positions of device10, and at least four RX fibers, generally designated 14, disposedwithin at least four additional ferrule positions of device 10. At leastfour fiber ferrule positions are devoid of a fiber. For example, in someembodiments, the middle ferrule positions 16 are devoid of fiber. Thesecan be referred to as “dummies” or dummy positions, in which no actualfibers are propagated through device 10.

As FIG. 5B illustrates and in some embodiments, only eight fiberspropagate through device 10. Eight fibers can be split out or pinned tothe outermost ferrule positions within device 10. For example, device 10can comprise an 8 ct SCS device, in which four transmission fibers 12and four receiving fibers 14 propagate therein. In some embodiments,only eight fibers propagate through device 10. Device 10 can furthercomprise at least two terminals 18 by which device 10 can electricallycommunicate with other networks devices.

In some embodiments, network designers can structure network datacenters for 10G/40G/100G or more utilizing only SCS devices (e.g., 10)based upon 8 ct fiber. This eliminates the challenges associated withconventional network structures based upon 12 ct fiber, as costly andexpensive converters or conversion modules for mapping devices havingdifferent fiber bases can be eliminated. In some embodiments, 8 ctdevices are configured to connect and thereby utilize 100% of fibers(e.g., all 8 fibers) between components (e.g., end-to-end) within anoptical fiber network (e.g., 80, FIG. 9). Networks and/or devices havingreduced fiber counts further promote the efficient usage of space whiledecreasing signal loss.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate cable termination solutions utilizing areduced fiber count basis according to some embodiments. FIG. 6Aillustrates a rack unit (RU) 20. RU 20 is devoid of any conversionmodules for converting between devices or components having differentfiber counts or fiber bases. This can be advantageous, as the design,management, construction, and overall economy of a network or datacenter design can be simplified and improved. In some embodiments, RU 20can be disposed within a network data center. RU 20 inputs a 24 ct rawended cable 22. Raw ended cable 22 can be mapped into three 8 ct fiberfeeds, generally designated 24. An 8 ct based SCS, such as raw end cable22 can provide improved network mapping due to an end-to-end per channelconnection without conversion modules having multiple terminationpoints. Each 8 ct fiber feed mapped from raw ended cable 22 can bemapped for direct termination at an 8 ct MPO adapter plate 26. Thus, RU20 is devoid of additional conversion modules or converters required formapping cable 22 to adapter plate 26, as each of cable 22 and adapterplate 26 can each comprise an 8 ct base or 8 ct fiber device.

FIG. 6B is an example of an 8 ct fiber jumper device, generallydesignated 30, which can be disposed between a plurality of SCS havingMPO connectors, generally designated 32. Device 30 can comprise an 8 ctdevice for patching between 8 ct MPO connectors 32, where desired. Insome embodiments, each MPO connector 32 includes at least eight activeferrule positions and at least four ferrule positions devoid of fibers,thereby providing 100% end-to-end fiber patching or utilization viajumper device 30.

In some embodiments, a first MPO connector 32A can comprise 12 ferrulepositions, where the middle eight ferrule positions 34 can be occupiedby fibers and the outermost or end ferrule positions 36 can be devoid offibers. That is, the middle eight ferrules are used, and the outermostferrules are dummies. First MPO connector 32A is patched to second MPOconnector 32B. In some embodiments, second MPO connection 32B cancomprise 12 ferrule positions, where the middle four ferrule positions40 are devoid of fibers, and the eight outermost or end ferrulepositions 38 are occupied by fibers. That is, the middle four ferrulesare dummies, and the outermost ferrules are used. Jumper device 30 canadvantageously provide patching between connectors 32, to assist inproviding 100% end-to-end fiber utilization within a network. Jumperdevice 30 can be configured to connect (e.g., “patch-in”) one opticaldevice (e.g., 32A) to another (e.g., 32B) for signal routing. In someembodiments, different types of devices can also be connected via device30, as device 30 can easily be configured to allow fibers and respectivecommunication channels to jump between devices without costly conversionmodules, thereby simplifying network connections.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate sectional views of SCS including ribboncables or ribbon cable devices, generally designated 50 and 60,respectively, each of which utilize a reduced fiber count basisaccording to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each device utilizesan 8 ct fiber basis. Each device can comprise an outermost layer,jacket, or covering 52. Covering 52 can include a plenum jacketcomprising a plastic, in some embodiments a fire-retardant plastic.Covering 52 can comprise any suitable flexible plastic material, such aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP),polyethylene, and/or polyolefin materials.

In some embodiments, devices 50 and 60 can further comprise anintermediate layer or material 54 for providing strength or somerigidity to the cabling devices. Intermediate layer or material 54 cancomprise glass, glass yarns, or any other suitable material. In someembodiments, material 54 comprises a dielectric material disposed aboutthe inner fiber core.

Devices 50 and 60 can further comprise a centrally disposed cladding ortube 56 for physically protecting the innermost fiber core. Central tube56 can comprise a metal and/or alloyed coating. Optical fibers can bedisposed within a portion of central tube 56. In some embodiments,optical multi-mode (OM) fibers as described by ISO 11801 and/or asdefined in TIA-492-AAAD are disposed within central tube 56.

Devices 50 and 60 can further comprise a ripcord 62. Ripcord 62comprises a parallel cord or other strong yarn disposed between thecovering 52 and intermediate material 54 for facilitating easier jacketremoval.

Referring specifically to FIG. 7A, a 96 ct fiber ribbon cable SCS device50 is provided. FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the 96 ct fiber cable.Device 50 can comprise a total of 96 fibers, which is also an 8 ct fiberbasis, where 100% of the fibers are used for TX/RX data. In someembodiments, all 96 fibers can be utilized 100% end-to-end within anetwork for improved efficiency, improved (e.g., direct) connections toother devices or network components, and decreased signal loss. Device50 can comprise two sub-units, 58A and 58B. Each sub-unit can alsocomprise an 8 ct fiber count (e.g., 48 total fibers) within an 8×6 fibermatrix. Device 50 includes a reduced count fiber basis of 8 ct, having100% fiber utilization within a network. Notably, costly convertersand/or conversion modules are not required in connecting device 50 withother network components, which can save space within the network datacenter while also reducing waste.

Referring to FIG. 7B, a 192 ct fiber ribbon cable SCS device 60 isprovided. FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the 192 ct fiber cable. Device60 can comprise a total of 192 fibers, which is also an 8 ct fiberbasis, and in which 100% of the 192 fibers are utilized end-to-endwithin device 60 and/or between multiple devices to connect the deviceswithin a network. In some embodiments, all 192 fibers can be utilized100% end-to-end within a network, thereby preventing waste within thenetwork. Device 60 can comprise two 8 ct sub-units, 64A and 64B. Eachsub-unit can comprise 96 total fibers within an 8×16 fiber matrix. Asdevice 60 includes a reduced fiber count basis of 8 ct, the need forexpensive conversion modules and/or converters is obviated. Forillustration purposes only, 96 ct and 192 ct fiber count ribbon cablesare illustrated, however, ribbon cables and/or devices comprised of any8 ct fiber basis can be provided. For example and without limitation,networks described herein can comprise devices having: four separatechannels communicating at 10G; four separate channels communicating at25G; 16 separate channels communicating at 10G; or 16 channelscommunicating at 25G. Devices having any number of channels can also beprovided.

FIG. 8 illustrates an interconnection point between two separateribbons, pieces of network equipment, or network devices within anetwork according to some embodiments. Each device can comprise areduced fiber count, for example, of an 8 ct fiber basis. In someembodiments, each device (e.g., communication modules, cables, ribbons,connectors, switches, plates, etc.) to be connected within a network canhave a same fiber basis, such that no converters or conversion modulesare necessary.

For example and as noted in the background section above, (e.g., seealso FIG. 3), one problem associated with conventional networks is thatinterconnection points between devices include a plurality ofterminations and/or connections at the interconnection point. Thiscontributes to signal loss within the network. In contrast, FIG. 8illustrates an interconnection point 70 disposed between a first networkdevice 72 and a second network device 74. Each network device cancomprise a reduced fiber count, for example, having as 8 ct fiber basis.As each device 72 and 74 in the network has an 8 ct fiber, the need forconverters becomes obviated. Notably, as illustrated in FIG. 8, oneconnection 76 is provided per interconnection point 70, which minimizesthe chance for signal loss across each network channel.

FIG. 9 is a schematic network diagram of an optical fiber network,generally designated 80, utilizing an SCS having a reduced fiber countbasis according to some embodiments. Notably, network 80 comprises anoptical fiber network comprised of a plurality of network devices (e.g.,network equipment 84A, 84B) comprising optical fibers, wherein 100% ofthe optical fibers are utilized end-to-end across the plurality ofnetwork devices. In some embodiments, network 80 can comprise anend-to-end passive network comprising several interconnection panels,generally designated 82A and 82B for connecting various componentsand/or portions of network equipment 84A and 84B within a network datacenter. In some embodiments, at least one trunk cable 86 can be used toconnect two or more network panels 82A and 82B. For illustrationpurposes, only two panels are illustrated, however, multiple panelsand/or pieces of various types of network equipment can be provided innetwork 80. Network 80 can comprise a parallel optics network forcommunicating at 10G, 40G, 100G, or more than 100G (e.g., 400G).Notably, network 80 is devoid of a plurality of 12 ct raw end cableterminations and/or conversion modules.

As FIG. 9 illustrates, trunk cable 86 can terminate at interconnectionpoints 90A and 90B disposed between respective network panels 82A and82B. Notably, interconnection points 90A and 90B comprise a singledirect connection. At interconnection points 90A and 90B, opposing endsof trunk cable 86 can directly connect with multiple different patchcords or cables 88A and 88B, respectively. Each of trunk cable 86 andcables 88A and 88B can comprise a reduced fiber count, in someembodiments, having an 8 ct fiber basis. In some aspects, each cable 86,88A, and 88B can also comprise a same count fiber basis, such that eachfiber within the cables is utilized end-to-end within network or aportion thereof.

Provision of one direct connection at interconnection points 90A and 90Bnot only improves signal strength within a network, but also preventswaste and saves space. Notably, network 80 can comprise components anddevices having 100% fiber utilization end-to-end. In some embodiments,network 80 only has components and devices having 100% fiber utilizationend-to-end. As FIG. 9 illustrates, trunk cable 86 and cables 88A and 88Bare connected and can comprise 100% fiber utilization therebetween. Insome embodiments, only panels, cables, and equipment with an 8 ct fiberor fiber basis are used within network 80. In some aspects, trunk cable86 and/or jumper cables 88A and 88B comprise 8 ct ribbon terminated byMPO connectors. No costly conversion modules are required in network 80for connecting trunk cable 96 to cables 88A and 88B.

FIG. 10 illustrates a network data center, generally designated 100,having a reduced fiber count basis according to some embodiments. Datacenter 100 can comprise one or more interconnect panels 102 forconnecting multiple network devices, entities, components, and/orequipment. Panel 102 can comprise a plurality of inputs 102A and aplurality of outputs, 102B by which ribbons, communication modules,devices, and/or any other network components can directly connect. Datacenter 100 can further comprise one or more switches 104. Switches 104can comprise and end with connectors or connections 104A, which in someembodiments terminate at MPO connectors. Notably, data center 100 isdevoid of conversion modules between panel 102 and switch 104, as eachnetwork component or device utilizes an 8 ct fiber basis and has 100%utilization end-to-end therebetween.

A plurality of 8 ct fiber ribbons or cables (e.g., FIGS. 7A/7B),generally designated 106A can be received as input at panel 102. Aconnecting end 106A of each ribbon 106 can connect directly with inputs102A of panel 102. In some aspects, connecting ends 106A and inputs 102Acan comprise MPO connectors.

A plurality of 8 ct fiber ribbon jumpers or jumper cables, generallydesignated 108 can be connected at panel outputs 102B. Jumper cables 108can each comprise first and second connecting ends 108A and 108B, one ofwhich connects panel to 102 and the other to switch 104. In someaspects, a connecting end 106A of each ribbon 106 can connect directlywith inputs 102A of panel 102. In some aspects, connecting ends 106A andinputs 102A can comprise MPO connectors.

Each interconnect panel 102 can comprise a rack unit U_(1-X). Aplurality of rack units U₁ to U_(X) can be provided in a single rack Ruof data center 100. Each unit U₁ to U_(X) can comprise a plurality ofports P for facilitation communication of data within a network and/oracross network equipment.

Embodiments as disclosed herein may for example provide one or more ofthe following beneficial technical effects: 100% end-to-end fiberutilization across some or all devices or components within a network;elimination or reduction of extraneous converters per network; improvedand/or simplified network management; improved and/or simplified networkconstruction; increased network efficiency; decreased cost of providingnetwork and/or equipment; less waste; less consumables/raw materialsrequired per network; and/or minimized signal loss.

While the devices, networks, and methods have been described herein withreference to specific embodiments, features, and illustrativeembodiments, it will be appreciated that the utility of the subjectmatter is not thus limited, but rather extends to and encompassesnumerous other variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, aswill suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the field of thepresent subject matter, based on the disclosure herein. Variouscombinations and sub-combinations of the structures and featuresdescribed herein are contemplated and will be apparent to a skilledperson having knowledge of this disclosure.

Any of the various features and elements as disclosed herein may becombined with one or more other disclosed features and elements unlessindicated to the contrary herein. Correspondingly, the subject matter ashereinafter claimed is intended to be broadly construed and interpreted,as including all such variations, modifications and alternativeembodiments, within its scope and including equivalents of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical fiber network comprising: a pluralityof network devices comprising optical fibers for supporting datacommunication at a rate of at least around 40 gigabits per second (40G)or more; and wherein interconnect points between connected devices ofthe plurality of network devices comprise only one direct connection. 2.The network of claim 10, wherein the network is devoid of a converter orconversion module at the interconnect points.
 3. The network of claim10, wherein the network has a 100% end-to-end fiber utilization acrossthe plurality of network devices.
 4. The network of claim 10, whereinthe plurality of network devices communicate at a rate of at least 100Gor more.
 5. The network of claim 10, wherein the network devices have an8-count (8 ct) fiber basis.
 6. The network of claim 10, wherein only8-count (8 ct) fiber basis devices are utilized.
 7. The network of claim10, comprising one or more 8 fiber parallel optics devices configured infour separate channels.
 8. The network of claim 7, wherein each channelis configured to transmit 10 gigabits per second (10 Gbps) or more. 9.The network of claim 7, wherein each channel is configured to transmit25 gigabits per second (10 Gbps) or more.
 10. A device for an opticalfiber network, the device comprising: a plurality of ferrules; whereinat least some of the ferrules are devoid of an optical fiber.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10, comprising a cable.
 12. The device of claim 11,comprising a ribbon cable.
 13. The device of claim 11, comprising ajumper cable.
 14. The device of claim 10, comprising a connector or acommunication module.